From one point guard to another (and another) Rockets find a way to get by

Since the NBA has become such a point guard league anyway, the Rockets just made the whole day about the point guards, with apologies to Patrick Patterson, who went from an 0 for 7 shooting performance to a career-high 24 points.

The day began with Kyle Lowry taking in shootaround, the first time he has been around the team since checking into a New York hospital March 8. He said he has no idea whether he would play again this season with a long road back from his battle with bacterial infection.

By mid-afternoon, the Rockets were rushing Earl Boykins through a physical and signing him – after he made a tip to the mall to pick up some shoes for the game – just in time to get him on the active list.

Finally, even Courtney Fortson worked his way into the conversation, joining the team for the flight to Dallas with the intention that he will sign a second 10-day contract today.

Each step along the way seemed, at least in hindsight, to point to how tenuous the Rockets’ hold on a playoff spot is. Lowry’s condition makes Dragic the Rockets’ most irreplaceable player and Fortson’s inexperience makes Boykins a key pick up, as he demonstrated with his 22 minutes played while wearing a uniform that the Rockets did not have time to make fit.

When Dragic limped off the floor, the Rockets point guards seemed to be making more news than their playoff hopes could handle.

They have survived the absences of Lowry and Kevin Martin, though at times have seemed terribly short-handed. There seemed little chance they could get by asking Boykins to step in, especially since Dragic’s stellar play has been so vital to their chances.

Dragic, however, insisted the ankle sprain is minor. He even said he would play against the Mavericks. The Rockets have a lot of work to do to secure a playoff spot and they won’t do it – or lose it – tonight in Dallas. But there was no way they seemed capable of emerging from the crowded pack fighting for playoff spots if they lost another point guard.

With Dragic, they remain in the thick of the race, tied for eighth but with the tie-breaker over Denver. They headed to Dallas just one-game behind the fifth-place Mavericks and just a game-and-a-half in front of 10th place Phoenix.

For now, they could exhale as Dragic emerged certain he would play and the Rockets able to give away the first quarter without giving away a game they had to win. There will be time enough later to move on to the usual point guard conversations, including how in the world the Rockets can keep Dragic with Lowry when Dragic hits free agency.

Photo: Pat Sullivan / Associated Press

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April 26: Rockets 84, Hornets 77

Rockets forward Chase Budinger follows through on a dunk during the second half of the season finale against New Orleans at Toyota Center. Budinger finished with a season-high 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting to help the Rockets finished the year with a winning record.
Record: 34-32. less

April 26: Rockets 84, Hornets 77

Rockets forward Chase Budinger follows through on a dunk during the second half of the season finale against New Orleans at Toyota Center. Budinger finished with a season-high ... more

Photo: Pat Sullivan / Associated Press

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April 22: Heat 97, Rockets 88

Heat forward LeBron James, right, posts up Rockets forward Chandler Parsons during their game in Miami. Parsons scored a career-high 23 points on 10-of-13 shooting, but James' game-high 32 points led the Heat to a victory that officially eliminated the Rockets from playoff contention.
Record: 33-32. less

April 22: Heat 97, Rockets 88

Heat forward LeBron James, right, posts up Rockets forward Chandler Parsons during their game in Miami. Parsons scored a career-high 23 points on 10-of-13 shooting, but James' ... more

Photo: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

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April 21: Rockets 99, Warriors 96

Rockets guard Goran Dragic (3) drives the the basket as Golden State's Jeremy Tyler defends during the third quarter. Dragic had 18 points, seven assists and three steals to help the Rockets snap a six-game losing streak.
Record: 33-31. less

April 21: Rockets 99, Warriors 96

Rockets guard Goran Dragic (3) drives the the basket as Golden State's Jeremy Tyler defends during the third quarter. Dragic had 18 points, seven assists and three steals to ... more

Photo: David J. Phillip / Associated Press

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April 19: Hornets 105, Rockets 99 (OT)

Hornets power forward Jason Smith, second from right, tries to pull in a loose ball as Houston Rockets center Marcus Camby (29) falls to the court.
Record: 32-31.

April 19: Hornets 105, Rockets 99 (OT)

Hornets power forward Jason Smith, second from right, tries to pull in a loose ball as Houston Rockets center Marcus Camby (29) falls to the court.
Record: 32-31.

Photo: Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

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April 18: Mavericks 117, Rockets 110

The losing streak hit five as the Rockets blow a lead and allow 39 points in the fourth quarter.
Record: 32-30.

April 18: Mavericks 117, Rockets 110

The losing streak hit five as the Rockets blow a lead and allow 39 points in the fourth quarter.
Record: 32-30.

Photo: Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press

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April 16: Nuggets 105, Rockets 102

Denver forward Al Harrington, left, and the Nuggets extended the Rockets' losing streak to four. Arron Afflalo led all scorers with 26 points and Goran Dragic led the Rockets with 21.
Record: 32-29. less

April 16: Nuggets 105, Rockets 102

Denver forward Al Harrington, left, and the Nuggets extended the Rockets' losing streak to four. Arron Afflalo led all scorers with 26 points and Goran Dragic led the ... more

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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April 15: Nuggets 101, Rockets 86

Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo, left, drives past Rockets forward Chandler Parsons during the fourth quarter. Afflalo tied a game high with 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting to help send the Rockets to their third straight loss.
Record: 32-28.
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April 15: Nuggets 101, Rockets 86

Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo, left, drives past Rockets forward Chandler Parsons during the fourth quarter. Afflalo tied a game high with 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting to help ... more

Rockets guard Goran Dragic, left, tries to control ball after Jazz guard Devin Harris knocks it from him during the first quarter. Dragic led the Rockets with 19 points and seven assists, but the Jazz stalled Houston's attempt at a late rally.
Record: 32-26. less

April 11: Jazz 103, Rockets 91

Rockets guard Goran Dragic, left, tries to control ball after Jazz guard Devin Harris knocks it from him during the first quarter. Dragic led the Rockets with 19 points and seven ... more

Rockets guard Courtney Lee, left, goes to the basket against Kings guard Jimmer Fredette, right, during the first quarter. Lee had game highs of 25 points and four steals as the Rockets sprinted to their third consecutive victory.
Record: 31-25. less

April 8: Rockets 104, Kings 87

Rockets guard Courtney Lee, left, goes to the basket against Kings guard Jimmer Fredette, right, during the first quarter. Lee had game highs of 25 points and four steals as the ... more

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

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April 6: Rockets 112, Lakers 107

Goran Dragic, right, had 26 points and 11 assists to help the Rockets hold off the Los Angeles Lakers on the road and win their their second straight game.
Record: 30-25.

April 6: Rockets 112, Lakers 107

Goran Dragic, right, had 26 points and 11 assists to help the Rockets hold off the Los Angeles Lakers on the road and win their their second straight game.
Record: 30-25.

Rockets' Courtney Lee reacts after making a shot against the Lakers. Record: 25-22.

March 20: Rockets 107, Lakers 104

Rockets' Courtney Lee reacts after making a shot against the Lakers. Record: 25-22.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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March 18: Suns 99, Rockets 86

Rockets guard Goran Dragic (3) gets the balled stripped by Phoenix's Sebastian Telfair (31) during the second quarter. Dragic finished with 16 points, eight assists and four steals against his former team, but he wasn't able to lift the Rockets past the Suns. Record: 24-22. less

March 18: Suns 99, Rockets 86

Rockets guard Goran Dragic (3) gets the balled stripped by Phoenix's Sebastian Telfair (31) during the second quarter. Dragic finished with 16 points, eight assists and four ... more

Photo: Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press

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March 17: Clippers 95, Rockets 91

Rockets guard Goran Dragic, left, drives past Clippers guard Chris Paul during the second half. Dragic had a career-high 14 assists to go with 11 points, but it wasn't enough to slow down Paul and the Clippers. Record: 24-21. less

March 17: Clippers 95, Rockets 91

Rockets guard Goran Dragic, left, drives past Clippers guard Chris Paul during the second half. Dragic had a career-high 14 assists to go with 11 points, but it wasn't enough ... more

Photo: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

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March 14: Rockets 107, Bobcats 87

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) scores over Bobcats center Bismack Biyombo (0) in the first half. Scola finished with a game-high 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting as the Rockets won their second straight game. Record: 24-20. less

March 14: Rockets 107, Bobcats 87

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) scores over Bobcats center Bismack Biyombo (0) in the first half. Scola finished with a game-high 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting as the Rockets ... more

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) goes to the hoop against the defense of Boston Celtics center Greg Stiemsma (54) and forward Paul Pierce (34) during the first half. Scola led the Rockets with 18 points and 14 rebounds, but he couldn't stop the Rockets from dropping their fourth straight game. Record: 21-18. less

March 6: Celtics 97, Rockets 92 (OT)

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) goes to the hoop against the defense of Boston Celtics center Greg Stiemsma (54) and forward Paul Pierce (34) during the first half. Scola ... more

Photo: Elise Amendola / Associated Press

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March 4: Clippers 105, Rockets 103 (OT)

Clippers guard Chris Paul, right, tries to keep up with Rockets guard Kevin Martin during the second half. Martin led the Rockets with 25 points, but Paul scored a game-high 28 to help the Clippers capture a tight victory and send Houston to its third straight loss. Record: 21-17.
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March 4: Clippers 105, Rockets 103 (OT)

Clippers guard Chris Paul, right, tries to keep up with Rockets guard Kevin Martin during the second half. Martin led the Rockets with 25 points, but Paul scored a ... more

Kevin Martin (12) of the Houston Rockets goes for a shot between DeMar DeRozan (10) and James Johnson (2) of the Toronto Raptors.
Record: 21-14.

Feb. 28: Rockets 88, Raptors 85

Kevin Martin (12) of the Houston Rockets goes for a shot between DeMar DeRozan (10) and James Johnson (2) of the Toronto Raptors.
Record: 21-14.

Photo: George Bridges / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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Feb. 22: Rockets 93, 76ers 87

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) works against Philadelphia 76ers center Nikola Vucevic during the first half. Scola recorded a game-high 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Rockets to their third consecutive victory. Record: 20-14. less

Feb. 22: Rockets 93, 76ers 87

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) works against Philadelphia 76ers center Nikola Vucevic during the first half. Scola recorded a game-high 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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Feb. 20: Rockets 97, Grizzlies 93

Rockets guard Kyle Lowry (7) gets past Grizzlies center Marreese Speights (5) for a layup during the first quarter. Lowry finished with a game-high 24 points on 7-of-17 shooting to help the Rockets win their second straight game. Record: 19-14. less

Feb. 20: Rockets 97, Grizzlies 93

Rockets guard Kyle Lowry (7) gets past Grizzlies center Marreese Speights (5) for a layup during the first quarter. Lowry finished with a game-high 24 points on 7-of-17 ... more

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Feb. 19: Rockets 101, Jazz 85

Jazz forward Paul Millsap, left, is called for a blocking foul against Rockets point guard Kyle Lowry in the second half. Lowry scored a game-high 32 points and added nine assists. Record: 18-14. less

Feb. 19: Rockets 101, Jazz 85

Jazz forward Paul Millsap, left, is called for a blocking foul against Rockets point guard Kyle Lowry in the second half. Lowry scored a game-high 32 points and added nine ... more

Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For the Chronicle

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Feb. 17: Timberwolves 111, Rockets 98

Rockets guard Kevin Martin (12) drives past Minnesota's Wesley Johnson during the first half. Martin finished with 16 points but made only four of 11 shots. Record: 17-14.

Feb. 17: Timberwolves 111, Rockets 98

Rockets guard Kevin Martin (12) drives past Minnesota's Wesley Johnson during the first half. Martin finished with 16 points but made only four of 11 shots. Record: 17-14.

Grizzlies forward Marreese Speight, right, defends against Rockets guard Kyle Lowry (7) in the first half. Lowry recorded a game-high 24 points, but he was the only Rockets starter to score in double figures. Record: 16-13. less

Feb. 14: Grizzlies 93, Rockets 83

Grizzlies forward Marreese Speight, right, defends against Rockets guard Kyle Lowry (7) in the first half. Lowry recorded a game-high 24 points, but he was the only Rockets ... more

Photo: Alan Spearman / Associated Press

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Feb. 12: Warriors 106, Rockets 97

Golden State's Monta Ellis, center, tries to score against Rockets guard Kevin Martin, left, and center Samuel Dalembert in the first quarter. Ellis torched the Rockets' defense for a game-high 33 points on 13-of-23 shooting, adding seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. Record: 16-12. less

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) reaches for the ball against Nuggets center Kosta Koufos during the first quarter. Scola scored a game-high 25 points on 10-of-20 shooting to help the Rockets hold off a late rally by the Nuggets. Record: 14-11. less

Feb. 6: Rockets 99, Nuggets 90

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) reaches for the ball against Nuggets center Kosta Koufos during the first quarter. Scola scored a game-high 25 points on 10-of-20 shooting to help ... more

Rockets guard Kevin Martin shoots a basket during the second half of Friday night's game against the Suns at Toyota Center. He finished with a game-high 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, helping the Rockets snap a two-game losing streak. Record: 13-10. less

Feb. 3: Rockets 99, Suns 81

Rockets guard Kevin Martin shoots a basket during the second half of Friday night's game against the Suns at Toyota Center. He finished with a game-high 16 points on 6-of-9 ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Feb. 1: Spurs 99, Rockets 91

San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard (2) battles Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) and center Samuel Dalembert during Wednesday night's game at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. Scola and Dalembert struggled against the Spurs, combining for only eight points on 4-of-12 shooting. Record: 12-10. less

Feb. 1: Spurs 99, Rockets 91

San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard (2) battles Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) and center Samuel Dalembert during Wednesday night's game at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. Scola and ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

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Jan. 30: Timberwolves 120, Rockets 108

Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love (42) hustles to get to a rebound before Rockets small forward Chase Budinger (10) and center Samuel Dalembert (21).
Record: 12-9.

Jan. 30: Timberwolves 120, Rockets 108

Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love (42) hustles to get to a rebound before Rockets small forward Chase Budinger (10) and center Samuel Dalembert (21).
Record: 12-9.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

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Jan. 27: Rockets 97, Knicks 84

Forward Chase Budinger (10) scored a team-high 19 points in 24 minutes off the bench to help the Rockets win for the ninth time in 10 games. Record: 12-8.

Jan. 27: Rockets 97, Knicks 84

Forward Chase Budinger (10) scored a team-high 19 points in 24 minutes off the bench to help the Rockets win for the ninth time in 10 games. Record: 12-8.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Jan. 27: Rockets 103, Wizards 76

Rockets power forward Luis Scola goes in for a layup during Friday night's game against the Wizards at Toyota Center. Scola had 19 points and eight rebounds to help lead the Rockets to their eighth win in nine games. Record: 11-8. less

Jan. 27: Rockets 103, Wizards 76

Rockets power forward Luis Scola goes in for a layup during Friday night's game against the Wizards at Toyota Center. Scola had 19 points and eight rebounds to help lead the ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Jan. 25: Bucks 105, Rockets 99

Chandler Parsons, center, had 16 points and five assists but it wasn't enough to prevent the Rockets' winning streak from ending at seven games. Record: 10-8.

Jan. 25: Bucks 105, Rockets 99

Chandler Parsons, center, had 16 points and five assists but it wasn't enough to prevent the Rockets' winning streak from ending at seven games. Record: 10-8.

Photo: Pat Sullivan / Associated Press

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Jan. 23: Rockets 107, Timberwolves 92

Rockets head coach Kevin McHale congratulates Goran Dragic, who came off the bench to score 14 points. Record: 10-7.

Jan. 23: Rockets 107, Timberwolves 92

Rockets head coach Kevin McHale congratulates Goran Dragic, who came off the bench to score 14 points. Record: 10-7.

Rookie forward Chandler Parsons (25) had a game-high 20 points, including this monstrous dunk over Bobcats forward Boris Diaw, to help the Rockets stave off an embarrassing defeat and snap a four-game losing streak. Record: 3-6. less

Jan. 10: Rockets 82, Bobcats 70

Rookie forward Chandler Parsons (25) had a game-high 20 points, including this monstrous dunk over Bobcats forward Boris Diaw, to help the Rockets stave off an embarrassing ... more

Photo: Streeter Lecka / Getty Images

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Jan. 7: Thunder 98, Rockets 95

Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) drained a clutch jumper with 22 seconds and nailed two late free throws to send the Rockets to their fourth straight loss. Record: 2-6.

Jan. 7: Thunder 98, Rockets 95

Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) drained a clutch jumper with 22 seconds and nailed two late free throws to send the Rockets to their fourth straight loss. Record: 2-6.

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Chronicle

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Jan. 6: Thunder 109, Rockets 94

Thunder guard James Harden, top, scored 23 points off the bench to send the Rockets to their third straight defeat. Record: 2-5.

Jan. 6: Thunder 109, Rockets 94

Thunder guard James Harden, top, scored 23 points off the bench to send the Rockets to their third straight defeat. Record: 2-5.